Susan Glenn, chair of KotoriCon and adviser of the Japanese Anime Guild at GCC, said anime encapsulates much more than just Japanese art.

“Anime is Japanese character animation, but it’s even bigger than that,” Glenn said. “The convention attracts fans of all the other related areas like television shows, My Little Pony, even music.”

The convention began in 2010 as the Gloucester County Anime Convention and has grown each year.

“That first year we had about 300 people,” Glenn said. “It has grown by a couple hundred people every year since.”

Hosted by the GCC Japanese Anime Guild — a popular club on campus — this year’s festivities include live music, sketch comedy, panel discussions and meet-and-greets with famous voice actors, masquerades, live-action role playing, gaming tournaments and screenings of recently dubbed animated entertainment.

View full sizeAn anime creature hanging out at the 2011 Kotoricon at GCC.Staff photo by Tim Hawk

The Hoh Daiko Drummers from the Seabrook Buddhist Temple will kick off the KotoriCon at 10:15 a.m. with traditional folk rhythms and interludes.

Music and entertainment will continue throughout the day with New York-based Japanese punk bands The Asterplace, Platform One and Uzuhi, and panel discussions with vocal talents such as Bill Rogers — best known for his roles on “Gravitation,” “Boogiepop Phantom,” “Genshiken,” “Shingu” and “The Third” — and Jamie McGonnigal who has voiced several “Yu Gi Oh!,” “Viva Pinata!,” “Pokemon,” “One Piece” and “Kirby” characters.

Other entertainment is comedians Uncle Yo, +2 Comedy and Underbelly, and demonstrations by Samurai Dan and Jillian Coglan.

Artisan crafters, vendors and authentic Asian cuisine will be available all day.

KotoriCon is from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Gloucester County College, located at 1400 Tanyard Road.